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5 of the world’s sexiest cheeses

Cheese is possibly not the first ingredient that comes to mind in terms of a Valentine’s Night celebration but think again and you realise there's no shortage of suitable candidates.

It’s not only what you serve but how you serve it of course. Two at least, the Vacherin and Camembert, can be baked in their boxes - warm cheese has to be even sexier than cheese at room temperature.

What is essential in my book at least is some degree of gooeyness (though not stinkiness unless you know your partner well and you’re both cheese fanatics. I reckon an Epoisses or Stinking Bishop is out.)

Surely the sexiest cheese on earth - and - hooray! - still in season on Valentine’s Day. Great with a freshly baked crusty baguette or, better still, baked with a side of new potatoes to dunk in it. The only problem is it’s quite large. You may not need anything else, except possibly a glass of champagne. Or two. In fact I think you could drink champagne with all of these.

Superb washed-rind northern Italian cheese that verges on the stinky as it matures but is amazing on pizza or tarts. If you’re not a big one for lavish Valentine’s celebrations Nigel Slater’s Mushroom & Taleggio toastie would be an indulgent snack for a quiet night in.

Maybe a romantic cheese rather than a sexy one this heart-shaped cheese clearly shows your loved one you're out to impress. It’s made from cow’s cheese and tastes quite like a Camembert but it is possible to find heart-shaped goats cheeses too.

So are these the kind of cheeses that you would serve on Valentine's night or can you think of a better option?

Got other ideas? Do email your favourite pairings to us at greatmatches@matchingfoodandwine.com. To subscribe to our free monthly newsletter and be eligible to enter our fabulous prize draws click here or to get notice of posts as soon as they're published click here.